2 Postdoctoral Associate positions on exoplanet atmospheres
Applications are invited for 2 Postdoctocal Assosiate positions at the University of Geneva (Department of Astronomy) working with Dr. Monika Lendl on exoplanet atmospheres as part of her SNF Eccellenza research group.
Position 1 is focused on studying exoplanet atmospheres using space-based photometric data, obtained primarily by the CHEOPS (Characterizing Exoplanets Satellite) mission. The University of Geneva host the CHEOPS Science Operations Centre and the mission Project Science Office. The successful applicant will become part of the CHEOPS mission consortium and will be offered ample opportunity to contribute to the scientific exploitation of CHEOPS. In particular, they are expected to contribute to the exploitation of over 200 days of observations dedicated to exoplanet atmospheric characterisation, in particular through occultation and phase curve measurements. Duration: the position has an initial duration of 2 years but may be extended by 2 additional years, depending on performance.
Position 2 is focused on studying exoplanet atmospheres using spectroscopic observations. The successful candidate will be exploiting a large set of transmission spectra obtained through Monika Lendl’s CHEWIE (Clouds Hazes and Elements vieWed on gIant Exoplanets) program, which comprises over 100 hours of observing time at the ESO VLT. They will collaborate with local exerts to join these observations with simultaneous high-resolution observations and gain unique insights on the planetary atmospheres.
Duration: the position has an initial duration of 2 years with a possible extension for a third year, depending on performance.
Setting: The Geneva Observatory offers one of the most vibrant environments worldwide for exoplanet research. The exoplanet team (www.exoplanets.ch) counts over 50 members, currently including 10 faculty members, 12 postdoctoral researchers, 15 PhD students, and 14 project staff members. Research topics include exoplanet detection and characterisation (atmospheres, interiors), planetary system dynamics, and instrumentation. Team members are directly involved in a large number of projects, including photometric instruments (CHEOPS, NGTS, TESS, PLATO), high-resolution spectrographs (ESPRESSO, NIRPS, HARPS and others), direct imaging (SPHERE@VLT) and astrometry (GAIA). The exoplanet team is also part of PlanetS (www.nccr-planets.ch), a Swiss research network focused on exoplanetary science, which includes 130 scientists from the Universities of Geneva, Bern, Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ). The successful applicants will be able to take advantage of this unique collaborative framework.
The University of Geneva is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.
Start date: is exible; the positions could start as early as June 2021.
Salary: approx. 81,000 CHF/year gross salary, according to rules of the University and Canton of Geneva.
Deadline: Applications received until 28 Feb 2021 will receive full consideration. Later applications will
be reviewed until the positions are filled.
Requirements: A PhD degree in astronomy, astrophysics or related fields. Experience in the analysis
of exoplanet observations, either of time-series photometry (Position 1), or transmission spectroscopy
(Position 2) will be highly valued. The successful applicant will become part of a vibrant team and we
especially look for team players with a high level of scientific independence and creativity.
The following application materials should be sent to monika.lendl@unige.ch in a single PDF:
- A curriculum vitae (2 pages)
- A cover letter (1 page), indicating which position the application refers to.
- A short research statement describing past achievements and future projects (max. 2 pages)
- A list of publications
Two letters of recommendation should be sent directly to Monika Lendl by the referees themselves.
Download/Website: https://drive.switch.ch/index.php/s/ocS77VxGNczjtrz
Contact: monika.lendl@unige.ch
